If you wanted to beat Contra back in the day, all you had to do was enter the Konami Code on your old-school Nintendo® controller—up > up > down > down > left > right > left > right > B > A > Select > Start—and you’d have 30 additional lives. It was that easy.
Unfortunately, there is no equivalent for your entire gaming console, no flawless hack for your Xbox One® or PlayStation 5®. However, if you take care of these machines, they can last a long time, giving you more chances to save the princess or defeat the final boss battle. Here are some pointers to help your gaming console last for years.
Give your console a break
The more time you spend playing, the harder your gaming system has to work, which can cause it to overheat. Too much heat can cause wear and tear on the sensitive internal elements of your console, increasing the likelihood of a permanent game over.
Limiting game time may be the last thing you want to do, but allowing your system to rest will help it cool down and last longer.
Clean your console’s air vents
You’ve undoubtedly seen someone blowing on a Super Mario cartridge like candles on a birthday cake if you’ve been on this floating space rock for a while. Whether or not that cartridge was dusty, it appeared to be a clutch move.
Is it, however, validated by science? Not at all: Your greasy, Cheeto-dusted breath could even corrode the game. But science backs up the idea that cleaning your gaming console’s vents and openings with canned air can extend its life and save you money in the long run.
You should also add deep cleaning your console to your to-do list if you haven’t done it in a while. The numerous crevices inside your console attract airborne contaminants such as dust, grime, pet fur, and food crumbs, all of which can cause system problems over time. Allow a professional to clean your game console from top to bottom so you can spend less time battling grime and more time battling bad guys onscreen.
Give your gaming console a proper home
Choose a location for your game console and leave it there. Limiting how much you move it can lessen the chances of dropping, dinging, or damaging it, all of which may necessitate the assistance of an expert.
Choose a flat surface that is well-ventilated and does not receive direct sunlight when deciding where to put your game console. believe again if you believe the pile of clothing in the corner qualifies.
Update your system’s software regularly
Software upgrades can be inconvenient, but they are necessary. They’re how Sony®, Microsoft®, and other gaming companies fix problems and issues so you can play for hours on end. You ignore them at your risk.
Be careful with your discs
We tried, but taping your disc together isn’t a good way to repair a split one. Your game system has an internal laser that scans the disc for the data it requires to play it. Tape, glue, and other things can damage the laser.
Keep an eye out for cracks, smudges, and fingerprints. Buff out the latter two with circular motions. However, if the disc has cracks, you should consider replacing it or removing it. This may imply giving up your cracked copy of Jet Set Radio (hint: it’s available on Steam).
Protect your ports
If you’ve played video games for a long time, you’ve probably experienced the agony of someone tripping over the delicate wire system that connects your console to your TV before you’ve had a chance to save your game.
It’s infuriating—and it can harm your machine. The pins within the port can be bent if the cord is removed quickly. It also demands an immediate shutdown, which can damage and limit the lifespan of your console.
Don’t let a glitched controller mean the game over
For less than $1 per day, the Asurion Home+ protection package provides peace of mind for all of your qualified home gear, including your favorite gaming devices. We protect your video game system and original controller from unforeseen breakdowns, from graphical glitches to malfunctioning discs, regardless of where or when you purchased it. More information is available at asurion.com/homeplus.
